A MOVE by a developer to build a $100 million battery storage facility without local input has been slammed by a south-west council as showing "disrespect and disdain" for rural communities.
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ACEnergy has sought to go above council to build 78 shipping containers to store lithium ion phosphate batteries for surplus electricity over 1.5 hectares in Terang.
Corangamite Shire Council will write to Planning Minister Richard Wynne opposing his intervention into the development.
"We requested ACEnergy submit a planning application through council, they subsequently applied to the Minister for Planning to intervene, a process that would enable a fast-tracked decision," Cr Geraldine Conheady said.
"It shows a disrespect and disdain for our rural communities considering the scale and significance of the project.
"It's not good enough to only send a letter to the adjoining landowners and not discuss with the wider community."
Cr Coheady said the development would change the eastern side of Terang and could negatively impact residential growth in the future.
Corangamite Shire recently received information for a second battery storage facility directly next to this proposal by a different proponent.
"It is our responsibility to assist the Terang community, this will create enormous change for Terang and the wider community.
"There are also plans for a second one nearby.
"The community deserve a fair consultation into a project that, if approved will change the eastern side of town.
"The lack of consultation and the inclusion of seven-foot acoustic sound walls makes you wonder how much noise this may emanate."
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Mayor Ruth Gstrein said she was "very disappointed" by the lack of consultation by the proponent.
"Only dealing with abutting landowners and putting a media release out there isn't good enough, this is a major industrial activity being put on the edge of Terang.
"And to think there may be a second one - there are already concerns about 78 domestic air conditioners running needing a seven metre high acoustic sound wall."
Deputy mayor Jo Beard said the fact the proponent labelled it a 'significant regional project' meant there needed to be significant consultation.
"Imagine two side-by-side, we call on the Minister, this needs to be looked at in its entirety.
"It's good we're going in with a neutral position but we need to be there for our community.
"This will affect far more than the adjoining landowners and everyone in the community deserves to have their input."
The submission highlights the 'complete lack of public consultation and genuine engagement with the Terang community.'
Chief executive officer Andrew Mason says the proponent should submit a normal planning application like everyone else.
The submission to Mr Wynne cites a number of concerns, including visual and noise impact, bushfire risk and lack of public consultation.
It also questions how 50 local jobs during the 20-week construction period and five local jobs during operation can be linked back to a tangible ongoing benefit to the community.
The Minister is currently undertaking public consultation on the project before determining whether to intervene.
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